Chapter 343: Aoki’s Mistake in Trying to Tease Kurisu

Kurisu’s fingers pressed lightly against Aoki’s arm, a subtle signal meant to keep him calm. To any passerby, it simply looked like the sweet gesture of a young wife clinging affectionately to her husband. But beneath that surface was an unspoken message: don’t falter, stay in character.

The gates of Konoha grew smaller behind them, slowly swallowed by the silhouettes of houses and the lively bustle of the marketplace.

Aoki drew in a long breath, his chest tightening with a tangled storm of emotions that whirled wildly inside him. He tried to steady the pounding in his heart, forcing his steps to remain even as he walked beside Kurisu.

“Hey, Kurisu… we’ve gone far enough, so… uhm…” Aoki finally spoke, his lips curling into an awkward smile. His eyes darted down toward her hand, which was still clasped tightly around his arm.

Kurisu’s slender fingers curled delicately, unwilling to let go, and the simple weight of her touch made each of Aoki’s steps feel heavier, clumsier.

A faint blush crept across Aoki’s cheeks, and his gaze dipped now and then, unable to face the reality that they were still acting out the roles of husband and wife.

“What is it, darling? Is a wife not allowed to cling tightly to her own husband’s arm?” Kurisu replied, her voice playful. Her lips curved into a soft, tender smile, but in her eyes danced a mischievous gleam that betrayed her teasing intent.

That clear, lilting, and slightly impish tone drew the attention of several passersby. Some glanced their way, a few even chuckled lightly, convinced they were witnessing a genuinely affectionate couple.

“Ah…” Aoki’s lips parted, but no words came out. His face stiffened, his eyes filled with bewilderment as though his thoughts spun in chaotic circles. He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, desperately trying to redirect the heat that burned across his face.

“Forget it… Anyway, would you like to eat something? Or should we just head straight to… our home?” Aoki finally tried to steer the topic elsewhere, though the word home dragged out of his mouth with visible weight. His shoulders stiffened, and his hushed voice carried a note of hesitation.

Even though they were merely pretending to be husband and wife, for Aoki, the act still felt strange, almost suffocating. Every affectionate word, every sweet address seemed to press harder against his chest, stirring emotions he didn’t know how to contain. His gaze blurred at times, unease flickering in his eyes, and his steps slowed unconsciously.

“Really? In that case, I want to go to our home, darling… I also want to warm up our bed~” Kurisu answered, her tone at first calm, her voice as soft as the evening breeze.

But at the end of her sentence, she suddenly leaned in, closing the distance until their faces were only a breath apart. Her warm breath ghosted against the edge of Aoki’s ear as she whispered those last words, laced with a teasing allure that nearly made his knees buckle.

Aoki froze. His eyes went blank for a moment, his face flaring red all the way to his ears. His body stiffened like stone, his heartbeat pounding erratically out of control.

In that instant, Aoki almost betrayed himself with a… reaction down below—one he was desperately, painfully trying to suppress. Ahem… you know what I mean.

“Uh… could you stop teasing me? I’m already holding myself back enough. If not, I might have already devoured you,” Aoki muttered in a low, rough voice, his tone slightly hoarse.

He deliberately leaned closer, bowing his head until his lips nearly brushed against Kurisu’s ear, whispering back his reply with heavy pressure in his words.

Unexpectedly, Kurisu showed no hint of embarrassment. Instead, a soft flush painted her cheeks, her eyes sparkled with mischief, and her body trembled slightly—not out of fear, but from the sudden spark of passion rising within her. Rather than shrinking away, she looked even more spirited.

“In that case… devour me, darling~” Kurisu answered softly, her voice laced with sultry temptation that pierced straight into his chest. She spoke with a sly smile tugging at her lips, her eyes locking onto his with sharp, unflinching intensity.

“Damn it… I made a mistake trying to tease you,” Aoki grumbled in frustration, his eyes widening in disbelief.

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